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8 Design Book Releases To Look Out For This Fall

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In our world, the end of summer means a couple of things: Hopefully the hottest days are behind us, and we can look forward to the latest releases of design books. Would it surprise you to know we are more excited about the latter of the two? In our August issue, we shared three of our favorite design books that we plan on picking up this fall. For a clickable version (and to admire those beautiful covers), we have compiled a full collection of eight books recommended by local designers to be sure to get your hands on.


From the White House to the gardens of Versailles, Rachel Lambert Mellon’s landscape and garden design is held to the highest regard in The Gardens of Bunny Mellon.…

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The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Paintings vs. Drawings

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So to start off this month’s post, let’s briefly look at the subtle differences between two different categories of art. This will enable two things: a) for us to be on the same “page” when it comes to discussing artworks on paper (Please, PLEASE forgive the awful puns in this post!) and (b) for you to impress all your friends with your insightful knowledge of the art world.

Ok, so drawings vs. paintings. What’s the difference??  Scholars may differ slightly in their varying definitions, but I will do my best to offer us simple, concise definitions…
Drawing: any work using “dry” media (eg, charcoal, pencil, chalk or pastel) – the one exception here being the “wet” media of pen/brush and ink – usually executed on paper, although some artists continually push this limit to include drawings on canvas.
Painting: any work executed using “wet” media, including mixed media wherein any combination of oil paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, encaustic, etc.  A painting can be done on paper, canvas, board, or any surface capable of sustaining the pigments safely over time.
The distinction here is that a “drawing” can quickly morph into becoming a “painting” by simply including a liquid to suspend the pigment on the surface.
Envision this as an example………. picture an artist sketching with charcoal on paper. Then suddenly he reaches for a paint brush, dips it into water and begins to “paint” by smudging the charcoal around the paper with the wet brush, thus moving from drawing into painting.
Again, the scholars out there may be screaming inside right now, and that’s ok. But as an active artist, I’ll tell you that this is often the line of distinction for me personally. This is how I engage my own art process. And it is with this viewpoint that I regard the work of others – whether I’m scouting pieces for clients or simply admiring them in a gallery.
It’s funny – many people consider European, Old-World oil paintings (often, specifically oil and not acrylic!) to be the quintessential piece of “art”. That’s fine. They can think that way.
It’s also funny that many contemporary “painters” out there today are blurring the lines (again, with the shameless puns. Whew!!!) between painting and drawing. Take for instance the artist Scott Ingram. He would probably be considered a painter, first and foremost. But recently he has used nail polish, an atypical medium, and the pull of gravity to make his mark. Check out his process….
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By nearly omitting himself and allowing gravity to fatefully pull the vibrant nail polish pigments across and down the paper, Ingram has created something altogether different – part drawing, part painting?  You tell me. But look at how captivating his work can be…
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Notice how designer Suzanne Kasler infuses this highly-traditional room setting with new life by selecting her color palette based on a Scott Ingram piece on paper. It’s truly delightful!
Another artist who blurred the lines of drawing and painting is the late Cy Twombly, whose pieces are at once childlike and intimate, cryptic and profound.
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Such a wonderful composition, artwork with furnishings. Great mix.
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And here, notice how this monolithic-scaled work on paper presides over this living room setting. The piece is both serene and fragile. There is something very familiar and childlike about being face-to-face with artwork on paper.
In his book Living with Art, author Mark Getlein writes: “In drawings…we have the impression of being present at an intimate transaction between artist and (paper).”
And it’s true, there is something immediate and human about a fragile piece of paper, especially considering that a work on canvas may last centuries longer. Little Rock’s own Arts Center is devoted to works on paper. Did you know that?
Notice how placing a drawing on paper above this mantle provides an air of simple elegance and approachability.
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And how this small-scale ink abstract on paper by Franz Kline amps up the power factor in this bold lacquered dining room by Suzanne Kasler…
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Good stuff, right??!!
Well, there’s some brilliant art discourse for your day. Hopefully you’re totally in tune with your inner artist by now. Now go grab a pencil or paintbrush and make a doodle, or a sketch, or a painting even. And above the all, learn to value artworks on paper. They’re really so cool. Cheers!
Active in the Little Rock design scene since 2006, Joshua Plumlee is passionate about reimagining elegant interiors with a focus on original artwork and an unconventional approach to luxurious style.

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Room for the “Blues”

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With the passing of blues legend B. B. King, I’m in a space of reflection about his legacy and about the blues–even the design blues. Some of the most relaxing and sumptuous homes  I have worked on tend to be built around shades of blue.

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Always on trend and constantly being updated, I “fall back” to my go-to color when in doubt if an inspiration. With all the shades of teal blue and turquoise being predominant in outdoor textiles, I sometimes find it difficult to choose just one palette from which to work.

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Mixing shades within a chosen hue makes the feel of your space much more interesting.  Layering texture, pattern and color tones of different textiles adds to the luxurious feel of “fullness” in your designs.  Let the “blues” within your spirit guide you to the ultimate comfort of your chosen  design!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting, now based inside Ellen Golden Antiques in Little Rock.

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

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The Fall 2014 IO Metro catalog is out this week, and their team invited us to have a behind-the-scenes peek as they staged and photographed the furnishings and home accessories for this season, many of which are customizable to your own home. It was a home decorating inspiration fest! It was a lot of hard work (5 shoot days at 9 hours each, 18 prep days at 8 hours each, 9 takedown days at 4 hours each, and planning time was about 20 hours!), but they sure looked like they were having fun.

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

IO Metro Fall 2014

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

IO Metro Fall 2014

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

IO Metro Fall 2014

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

IO Metro Fall 2014

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

IO Metro Fall 2014

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

The always-stunning Local Art section now also includes Buddy Whitlock, a self-taught Arkansas artist who finds inspiration in color, and interesting shapes. Have a look at some of his work:

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro | Artist: Buddy Whitlock

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro | Artist: Buddy Whitlock

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro | Artist: Buddy Whitlock

Are you as excited as we are about all of these eye-catching offerings? You can visit IO Metro stores (Arkansas locations include Little Rock, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Jonesboro) to browse and bring the looks into your own home (ahem, they also have free design services if you’re not a diy-er), or you can check out their website and follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news. (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram)

From Providence Design: Layering for Impact

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Country French, Fall/Winter 2011

We love the idea of layering special objects together for even more impact. May it be a pair of old shutters with an antique mirror, or hanging art on bookshelves, the options are endless. Layering objects together really brings focus to the space, and the particular object. It is also a great way to add depth to an otherwise flat object. These images really get us thinking.

Design by Michelle Nussbaumer (from the book Domestic Art: Curated Interiors by Holly Moore)

Look at how much more interesting the art layered on top of the fabric is. 

Design by Providence Design

In a powder bath we added interest, and dimension by layering the rock wall with an iron piece and mounting a mirror onto the iron. A starburst mirror on a wall of windows really turned up the volume in this living room, not to mention the fabulous architectural fragment attached to a wooden panel. Below an otherwise average mirror was taken over the top by adding a second mirror.

Design by Providence Design

House Beautiful magazine

House & Home magazine

A simple yet awesome idea is to hang your favorite art on your bookshelves. What a great way to get a fabulous and personal look. 

Elle Decor magazine

So what do you think? Are you as excited about layering objects as we are?

Christmas Gift Guide from Bright.Bazaar

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Good morning, everyone! As you’re probably in the midst of purchasing Christmas gifts, Will of Bright.Bazaar has come to the rescue with a few of his favorites. The UK-based blogger has a flair for color that we know you’ll love, so check out his gift suggestions below and then pop on over to his fabulous blog for more inspiration.

Hello At Home in Arkansas readers!

It’s Will from Bright.Bazaar here today and I’m delighted to be sharing five gift ideas for the home-lovers this holiday season.

First up is this charming Family Tree Pillow Cover (1) from Pottery Barn; a great gift if you are looking to add a personal touch as you can add the receiver’s last name onto the banner.

Next we turn to Anthropologie for a little dash of whimsy. The Enchanted Buck Measuring Cups (2) would be a delightful gift for a friend who goes to town with festive baking!

No good? Looking for something more sleek and modern? No worries! These Kate Spade Cocktail Tidbit Plates (3) will be a sure fire hit for the modernistas in your life.

If, however, you’re looking to buy for the serious cook amongst your group of friends or family, why not gift this opulent Ruffoni Polenta Pot (4) from Williams-Sonoma?

Finally, why not buy a few of these Monogrammed Mugs (5)? They are useful to have in for last-minute gifts should someone turn up unannounced bearing gifts.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a year-long subscription to At Home in Arkansas magazine! Click here for details, and to see our month-long Holiday Guest Blogger Series schedule.

In case you missed it:

Holiday fashion for kids from Kelly’s Korner

P. Allen Smith’s favorite holiday recipes, especially for At Home

A trio of seasonal project ideas from designer Eddie Ross

Wintry-white interiors from This is Glamorous

At Home for the Holidays with Providence Ltd.

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Our very talented friend and interior designer Mona Thompson of Providence Ltd. Interior Design continues to charm us with her casual elegance. (We featured her home on the cover of our November issue.) And her holiday style is just as we imagined: beautiful yet cozy. Below she shares a few design ideas, plus tips on hosting a holiday get-together and a delicious recipe to warm up a Sunday dinner party. All you have to do is add friends and family.

PS- Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a year-long subscription to At Home in Arkansas magazine! Click here for details, and to see our month-long Holiday Guest Blogger Series schedule.

It doesn’t matter if you are dreaming of a White Christmas or longing for more traditional season colors to decorate your home, our Holiday Designs are always inspired by nature.

This table setting was featured in House Beautiful last year and is Drama Plus. The masses of white flowers artfully arranged in the carved out Birch is amazing. Actually this is a very simple idea that could be achieved using a variety of materials for a very different look.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow…If only it would, I’d hunker down somewhere in this house and never leave. Lisa Luby Ryan of Dallas is one of our very favorite designers. Her shop is a must see when in Dallas. You can visit her here.

Obviously this entire home is drop dead gorgeous, but notice the small details in the holiday decorations that make it extra special. Many would not be that hard to incorporate somewhere in your own home, such as the jar attached to a tree limb with wire and filled with water and fresh flowers. How fun would this be to do for a special party?  It wouldn’t have to be an entire tree either. You could add these to a wreath or garland.

Another example of a similar idea. I added these rustic wire lanterns filled with battery operated wax candles I found at Park Hill Home into my tree this year. They cast a magical glow along with the tiny white lights at night. You cannot tell that they are not real.

Entrances are very important. Simple but welcoming is the very best.

Tablescapes are always a challenge. Your mantels and tree may not change much from year to year but it’s always fun to come up with something different for the table.

I opted to mix boxwood, pinecones and berries in my dining room this year.  I plan to get creative with these wire napkin holders from  Our Shop.

We usually host several small gatherings during the holiday season.  I can attach a placecard or a small gift similar to the ornament shown here.

For larger gatherings, we normally choose to do a buffet setting rather than seated dinner.  Guests always seem to enjoy this.

Speaking of Entertaining, for those of you who follow us, you’re already  familiar with our Sunday Suppers.  I’m sure we’ll do some Sunday holiday entertaining this year. Those dinners are always cozy and casual. A hearty soup is always a crowd pleaser, so we’ll try this recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup from my friend Yvonne over at Stone Gable. She tests, and retests, every recipe and they are always delicious.

STONEGABLE LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

10 baking potatoes

2/3 cup butter

3 ribs celery, diced

2/3 cup grated carrots

8 green onions, sliced (use green parts too)

1 cup flour

12 cups milk

2 lbs thick sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

3-4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (I use 4)

16 oz. plain Greek yogurt

salt

pepper

freshly grated nutmeg, a couple of good grates~ dash

6 hard boiled eggs, cooled, peeled and chopped in medium pieces

Bake potatoes. Cool, peel and cut into medium size chunks.

In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add celery and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add green onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.

Add 1 cup of flour and stir. Cook and stir for 4 minutes. Add milk and whisk. Cook, stirring occasionally until it bubbles. Watch the pot so you do not scorch the milk. Add potatoes and bacon. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Add cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper and nutmeg. When cheese melts and Greek yogurt is incorporated add hard boiled eggs. If the soup is too thick more milk can be added. We love it thick!!!!!

Garnish and serve.

Whatever your plans for decorating and entertaining this Holiday Season, I wish you the very best.  As long as you include plenty of family and friends, whatever you do will be a huge success.

“Be True To You….Explore Your Choices” by Tracy Porter

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What an absolute and utter treat it is to have Tracy Porter guesting on our blog today! For those of you who don’t know her, Tracy has written nine books on entertaining, home and inspiration for daily living; authors a blog (www.tracyporter.com/blog) with thousands of daily readers; has graced the pages of numerous publications including O, People, Family Circle, Elle, Better Homes & Gardens and Victoria; and has appeared on Oprah, E! and HGTV. Oh, and we mustn’t forget her fashion and home decor lines or her fanciful dinnerware collection, available at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s!

But to top all of it off, Tracy is a kind and wonderful person and our new friend. Read on as she shares with you, At Home’s readers, how to take time and be true to yourself–friendly lessons from Tracy to apply in every aspect of your life.

I am a firm believer that we create much of the world around us in the choices we make…we find ways to be true to our selves …..or not. It’s a matter of how we inspire ourselves, or choose to decorate our homes, how we dress,  what we eat…beauty is everywhere, and it’s is a glorious choice to look her in the eye everyday and embrace her, explore her….and along the path…find your way to “you” and how you want to be true to yourself! I have more than a few thoughts on this topic….but I’ll put a clamp on my verbose nature and just share a handful……

Explore Color

I find color to be one of the most inspiring temptations. I found it, and more of me ……once I truly explored the layer it would add to our home! Be brave and embrace it….soon it will be a mad love affair. Start small…a bathroom , a foyer …..or as you see in my own home…a hallway and doors. This little spot leading to our second floors thrills me to no end. It is dripping in gorgeousness….. I adore how the intense color of the high gloss red doors along with the peacockian blues make me feel. Once you find your way to color….each room in your home will hold a gasp-inducing feeling that you will swoon over…trust me!

p.s. a bonus thought on color….it’s a good “hider”….we have four young boys and let me tell you, between PBJ fingers and skateboards scuff marks…I am a believer!

Explore Your Inner Bohemian

I adore dressing in a way that makes me smile. I need to feel comfortable, get dressed quickly and feel spot on in whatever I throw on!!!

I love the thought that layers in my wardrobe help me do all of this a carefree smashing way! I suppose it’s why I love designing fashion…..so that women of all ages could have the  freedom to walk into their closets and know that pretty much anything they put on would feel and look gorgeous and soulfully them! I know that my inner bohemian ( please tell me you have one?) loves this too….after all ,pattern on pattern, layering and some highs and lows are easy to do if you just let yourself be free to explore….!

Explore the World as a Picnic

I love food from everywhere in the world and consider myself a true food adventurer. I also happen to believe that the way in which we present our deliciousness matters as well! Truly, wouldn’t you rather have your French fries in funky rolled down paper bags, and dips in a pretty little mix of hand painted bowls? Why not plunk a gorgeous exotic pillow on each chair! Consider the way you eat as much as the food you eat…..your entire experience can and will change….So, light those candles, play a game while munching, laugh…live and declare your passion and pleasure!

Explore Doing Less and Getting More!

I am a passionate girl, top to bottom..I dive in fingers to toes! Sometimes I dive and realize that I have taken on more than I care for…..such is the humbling nature of life. My gardens became just that. I planted, and planted…then had children and realized I couldn’t do it all. So, I plunked in some raised beds…… created ( with the help of my dear husband and kids) a potager, a wee escape…a place to wander and grab a lovely fresh homegrown dinner and then some! Now in the evenings I can watch the boys ride bikes and skateboard….and I can take my gathering basket and glass of wine and with very low maintenance enjoy my gardens and my darlings! Consider all that you do in being true to yourself…sometimes you really can do less and get more…..of the good life that is!

Cheers and Delicious Explorations!

xxx

Tracy Porter

www.tracyporter.com

www.tracyporter.com/blog

At Home with Fashion: Classic Color Combinations

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Some of my favorite color combos–blue and orange, and green and tan–played a prominent role in our Spring Fashion Stylebook. And these lovely shades are just as eye-catching when worked into interiors.

(photo by Nancy Nolan; jewelry from Romance Diamond)

(Photo by Victoria Pearson for House Beautiful)

Blue and orange are such a great modern combo, but here they’re beautiful with lots of cream colors in a traditional setting.

(photo by Thomas Loof for House Beautiful)

And they making a dramatic setting in this room by designer Miles Redd.

(photo by Werner Straube for Traditional Home)

And for beautiful green and tan:

(photo by Nancy Nolan; clothing from Accessory Gallery)

(photo by Edmund Barr for House Beautiful)

From California cool…

(photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo for House Beautiful)

To modern chic…

(photo by Werner Straube for Traditional Home)

To classically traditional…such versatile colors!

 

More from our At Home with Fashion series:

Stylist Anna Chatelain of Tulip Louise reveals the five top looks of the spring season

At Home Friday Favorites 6.25.10

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Publisher Kelly Fraiser loves the classic combination of yellow paired with  brown, which she says “gives an updated fresh look to this room.” (“Colors that Never Fade” from D and D Interior Design)

“Beautiful quilts, so fun to see these since we feature an Arkansas collector’s quilts in our July issue,” says editor Diane Carroll. “Put me in the mood to start planning a celebration for the 4th.” (Collecting: Patriotic Quilts” from Good Bones, Great Pieces)

“Such a simple yet fabulous way to add glamour to a room and still stay on a budget,” says marketing coordinator/account executive Lauren Strother of this post on incorporating scarves into your decor. “I love DIY projects.” (“Artful Scarves” from Matters of Style)

“The shot from the dock had me at hello!” says ad coordinator Laura LaRue. “What an awesome lake house filled with great design and inspiration. I would love to spend the summer there!” (“Lake House” from Wide Open Spaces)

“Can you believe this DIY chandelier is made from Mardi Gras-style beads?” says associate editor Paulette Pearson. “I know what I’m doing this weekend.” (“DIY Beaded Chandelier” from Ruby Press via Made by Girl)

“I finally got my hands on this book. Love the show and  love their work,” says art director Mandy Keener. (“Downtown Chic” available at Amazon.com)

Account executive Katie Rawlings is dreaming of turquoise. “Wow, that is about all I can say!! I have always been a huge fan of turquoise and these rooms are phenomenal!!” (“Holly Dyment” from House of Turquoise)


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At Home in Arkansas offers you a look inside the state's most inspiring homes. The magazine features monthly advice from the experts to help you plan your next remodel or redesign, entertain at home, or find Arkansas's best kept secrets. It is your definitive guide to the state's finest homes and gardens, design professionals, fashion and entertaining essentials, and premier shops and showrooms.

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